Tabletized ionene polymers

ABSTRACT

Tabletized ionene polymers, methods for their preparation and their use in water treatment is described. The tablet contains about 5 to about 60 percent by weight of an ionene polymer, about 40 to about 95 percent by weight of a salt carrier matrix, 0 to about 10 percent by weight of a disintegration rate regulator, and 0 to about 10 percent by weight of an anticaking agent. The tablets may be made by mixing an aqueous solution of an ionene polymer with a carrier matrix to form a moist mass, drying the moist mass to form granules, reducing the granule size to form a powder, and compressing the powder into a tablet. The tablets are useful in a wide variety of water treatment applications. Accordingly, the specification describes a method for controlling the growth of microorganisms in an aqueous system. Using the method, one treats an aqueous system with an ionene polymer in an amount effective to control the growth of at least one microorganism. The ionene polymer is contained in a tablet of the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to tabletized ionene polymers, methods fortheir preparation, and their use in water treatment.

2. Description of Related Art

Biological fouling is a persistent nuisance or problem in all varietiesof aqueous systems. Biological fouling can have a direct adverseeconomic impact when it occurs in industrial process waters, for examplein cooling waters, metal working fluids, or other recirculating watersystems such as those used in papermaking or textile manufacture. If notcontrolled, biological fouling of industrial process waters caninterfere with process operations, lowering process efficiency, wastingenergy, plugging the water-handling system, and even degrading productquality.

Biological fouling of recreational water systems such as pools, spas, ordecorative (or ornamental) water systems, (e.g., ponds or fountains),can severely detract from people's enjoyment of them. Biological foulingoften results in objectional odors. More importantly, particularly inrecreational waters, biological fouling can degrade the water quality tosuch an extent that it becomes unfit for use and may even pose a healthrisk.

Sanitation waters, like industrial process waters and recreationalwaters, are also vulnerable to biological fouling and its associatedproblems. Sanitation waters include, for example, toilet water, cisternwater, and sewage treatment waters. Due to the nature of the wastecontained in sanitation waters, these water systems are particularlysusceptible to biological fouling.

Ionene polymers have often been used to control or prevent biologicalfouling, including biofilm and slime formation, in aqueous systems.Advantageously, ionene polymers, or polymeric quaternary ammoniumcompounds (polyquats), generally do not foam excessively in water oraqueous systems, do not irritate skin, and exhibit extremely lowtoxicity to warm-blooded animals. These characteristics along with theirability to control or prevent biological fouling cause ionene polymersto be excellent choices for water treatment.

Ionene polymers are commonly sold and used as liquid compositions suchas aqueous solutions or formulations. Solid forms, including tablets, ofionene polymers have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,142,002 and5,419,897. Other water treatment chemicals are often sold in solidforms, such as tablets or pucks. The following patents describe varioussolid forms of water treatment chemicals for use in a number ofdifferent aqueous systems: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,310,434, 4,396,522,4,477,363, 4,654,341, 4,683,072, 4,820,449, 4,876,003, 4,911,858,4,961,872, and 5,205,955 as well as U.K. Patent No. 1,601,123, PCTApplication WO 91/18510, PCT Application WO 92/13528, and Europeanpatent Application No. 0 525 437 A1.

In some applications solid forms provide advantages over liquidcompositions. Well formulated solid forms provide increased stabilityand reduce exposure to chemicals, solvents, or vapors. In a solid,different ingredients may be successfully combined where such acombination in a liquid might lead to unwanted reactions and potentialloss of activity. Using a solid form, a chemical composition can oftenbe packaged and shipped in a more concentrated form than with liquidcompositions. Solid forms can also reduce or eliminate concernsregarding the liquid spilling or containers breaking during shipping orhandling.

At the point of use, solid forms may also offer additional advantagesover liquid formulations. Solid forms provide unit dosing and a uniformdelivery system reducing errors in amounts used. Solid forms of watertreatment chemicals can also be formulated to provide sustained orprolonged release of chemical to the aqueous system.

As shown by the above discussion, it would be desirable to combine thebiological efficacy of an ionene polymer with the advantages of a solidformulation. Solid forms of ionene polymers would compliment the utilityof liquid ionene polymer formulations. Accordingly, there exists a needfor solid form of an ionene polymer useable in water treatment and otheruses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tabletized ionene polymers. A tabletaccording to the invention comprises from about 40 to about 95 percentby weight of a salt carrier matrix, from about 5 to about 60 percent byweight of an ionene polymer, preferably adsorbed on the salt carriermatrix, from about 0 to about 20 percent by weight of a disintegrationrate regulator, and from 0 to about 1-percent by weight of an anticakingagent. A tablet of the invention has a hygroscopicity index of no morethan about 3 percent by weight. In other words, on standing for 30 daysin air at approximately 25° C. and approximately 70 percent humidity, atablet of the invention adsorbs only about 3 percent by weight ofmoisture. Thus, the tablets of the invention have very low moistureuptake.

The tablets may be made by mixing an aqueous solution of an ionenepolymer with a salt carrier matrix to form a moist mass. The moist massis dried to form granules and the size of the granules reduced to form apowder. The powder is then compressed into a tablet.

The tablets of the invention may be used in a wide variety of watertreatment applications. Accordingly, the present invention provides amethod for controlling the growth of microorganisms in an aqueoussystem. A tablet of the invention may be used to treat an aqueous systemwith an effective amount of an ionene polymer to control the growth ofat least one microorganism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a general method for making a tabletized ionene polymer.

FIG. 2 depicts the release rate of an ionene polymer from a tablet ofthe invention as discussed in Example 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of the invention relates to a tablet comprising asalt carrier matrix and an ionene polymer preferably adsorbed onto thatmatrix. "Tablet" forms include tablets themselves as well as other solidforms or shapes known in the art such as sticks, pucks, briquets,pellets, and the like. In other words, any shape tablet may used inaccordance with the present invention and is only limited by theingenuity of the tool and dye maker.

A typical ionene polymer tablet of the present invention comprises fromabout 40 to about 95 percent by weight of a salt carrier matrix, fromabout 5 to about 60 percent by weight of an ionene polymer preferablyadsorbed on the salt carrier matrix, from 0 to about 20 percent byweight of a disintegration rate regulator, and from 0 to about 20percent by weight of an anticaking agent. A tablet of the invention hasa hygroscopicity index of no more than about 3 percent by weight.

The hygroscopicity index is a measure of moisture uptake by the tablet.Tablets having high hygroscopicity indexes tend to fall apart ordisintegrate, even in air, causing the tablets to be unsuitable for usein water treatment applications. A tablet's hygroscopicity indexmeasures the tablet's moisture uptake upon standing for 30 days in airat approximately 25° C. and approximately 70 percent humidity. Ingeneral, these conditions represent ambient room temperature andhumidity.

Expressed a percentage change in tablet weight, the hygroscopicity indexprovides a good measure of a tablet's stability. This is particularlytrue in tablets of the present invention which combine a salt carriermatrix with an ionene polymer--two hygroscopic components.Advantageously, the tablets combine these hygroscopic components andarrive at a tablet that is stable at ambient conditions. Yet, bothcomponents are water soluble and, when used in water treatmentapplications, both leave little or no residue in the aqueous system.

Tablets of the invention have a hygroscopicity index of no more than 3percent by weight. Thus, the tablets have very low moisture uptakeadsorbing only about 3 percent by weight of moisture. Preferred tabletshave a hygroscopicity index of from 1.0 to 3.0 percent by weight andmost preferred tablets have a hygroscopicity index of no more than 1.0percent by weight. As seen in the Examples below, some tablets of theinvention have a hygroscopicity index of 0.

The size of a tablet according to the invention may vary depending uponits intended use. For example, water treatment tablets used in toiletbowl water range in size from approximately 50 to 100 grams while thoseused to treat swimming pools or cooling tower water may be approximately200 to 400 grams. As one of ordinary skill knows, the tablet sizedepends to some extent on the size and needs of the particular aqueoussystem. More than one tablet may be used to treat the system.

A tablet of the invention may contain mixtures of one or more ionenepolymers with other active compounds or additives commonly used in watertreatment or to prepare tablets. Thus, the tablets may contain a varietyof excipients known in the art such as biocidal adjuvants, dyes or othercoloring agents, and perfumes or fragrances. Other components known inthe art such as fillers, binders, glidants, lubricants, or antiadherentsmay also be included. These latter components may be included to improvetablet properties and/or the tableting process. Various components andpreferred embodiments of the tablets of the invention are discussedbelow.

Ionene Polymers

Any ionene polymer may be used in the present invention. The tablet ofthe present invention contains about 5 to 60 percent by weight of anionene polymer. More preferably, the tablet contains 10 to 50 percent byweight of an ionene polymer and most preferably, 20 to 30 percent byweight. The tablet may contain one ionene polymer or a mixture of ionenepolymers. In a preferred embodiment, the ionene polymer is adsorbed onthe salt carrier matrix.

Ionene polymers or polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds (polyquats),i.e., cationic polymers containing quaternary nitrogens in the polymerbackbone (also known as polymeric quats or polyquats), belong to awell-known class of compounds. The biological activity of this class ofpolymers is also known. See, e.g., A. Rembaum, Biological Activity ofIonene Polymers, Applied Polymer Symposium No. 22, 299-317 (1973) and O.May, "Polymeric Antimicrobial Agents" in Disinfection, Sterilization,and Preservation, S. Block, Ed., 322-333 (Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia,1991). Ionene polymers have a variety of uses in aqueous systems such asmicrobicides, bactericides, and algicides as well as controlling, evenpreventing, biofilm and slime formation. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,874,870,3,931,319, 4,027,020, 4,089,977, 4,111,679, 4,506,081, 4,581,058,4,778,813, 4,970,211, 5,051,124, 5,093,078, 5,142,002 and 5,128,100,which are incorporated here by reference, give various examples of thesepolymers, their preparation, and their uses.

Any ionene polymer or mixture of ionene polymers may be used to practicethis invention. Ionene polymers may be classified according to therepeating unit found in the polymer. The repeating unit results from thereactants used to make the ionene polymer.

A first preferred type of ionene polymer comprises the repeating unit offormula I: ##STR1##

In this formula, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ can be identical or different, andare selected from H, C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl optionally substituted with at leastone hydroxyl group, and benzyl optionally substituted on the benzenemoiety with at least one C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl group. Preferably, R¹, R², R³ andR⁴ are all methyl or ethyl.

The group "A" is a divalent radical selected from C₁ -C₁₀ alkylene, C₂-C₁₀ alkenylene, C₂ -C₁₀ alkynylene, C₁ -C₁₀ hydroxyalkylene, symmetricor asymmetric di-C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylenether, arylene, arylene-C₁ -C₁₀-alkylene, or C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylenearyl-C₁ -C₁₀ alkylene. Preferably, "A" isa divalent C₁ -C₅ alkylene, C₂ -C₅ alkenylene, C₂ -C₅ hydroxyalkylene,or symmetric di-C₂ -C₅ -alkylenether, and most preferably "A" is --CH₂CH₂ CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ -- or --CH₂ CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂ --.

The group "B" is a divalent radical selected from C₁ -C₁₀ alkylene, C₂-C₁₀ alkenylene, C₂ -C₁₀ alkynylene, C₁ -C₁₀ hydroxyalkylene, arylene,arylene-C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylene, or C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylenearyl-C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylene.Preferably, "B" is C₁ -C₅ alkylene, C₂ -C₅ alkenylene, C₂ -C₅hydroxyalkylene, arylene, arylene-C₁ -C₅ -alkylene, or C₁ -C₅alkylenearyl-C₁ -C₅ -alkylene. Most preferably "B" is --CH₂ CH₂ --,--CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ --, or --CH₂ (CH₂)₄ CH₂ --.

The counter ion, X²⁻, is a divalent counter ion, two monovalent counterions, or a fraction of a polyvalent counter ion sufficient to balancethe cationic charge in the repeating unit which forms the ionene polymerbackbone. Preferably, X²⁻ is two monovalent anions selected from ahalide anion and a trihalide anion and more preferably, chloride orbromide. Ionene polymers having trihalide counter ions are described inU.S. Pat. No. 3,778,476, the disclosure of which is incorporated here byreference.

The ionerie polymers having the repeating unit of formula I may beprepared by a number of known methods. One method is to react a diamineof the formula R¹ R² N--B--NR¹ R² with a dihalide of the formula X-A-X.Ionene polymers having this repeating unit and methods for theirpreparation are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,874,870,3,931,319, 4,025,627, 4,027,020, 4,506,081 and 5,093,078, thedisclosures of which are incorporated here by reference. The biologicalactivity of ionene polymers having the repeating unit of formula I isalso described in these patents.

Among the ionene polymers with a repeating unit of formula I, aparticularly preferred ionene polymer ispoly[oxyethylene-(dimethyliminio)ethylene(dimethyliminio)ethylenedichloride. In this ionene polymer of formula I, R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ areeach methyl, A is --CH₂ CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂ --, B is --CH₂ CH₂ --, and X²⁻ is 2Cl⁻, and the average molecular weight is 1,000-5,000. This ionenepolymer is available from Buckman Laboratories, Inc. of Memphis, Tenn.as BUSAN® 77 product or WSCP® product, which are each 60% aqueousdispersions of the polymer. BUSAN® 77 and WSCP® are biocides usedprimarily in aqueous systems, including metalworking fluids, formicroorganism control.

Another particularly preferred ionene polymer having a repeating unit offormula I is the ionene polymer where R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each methyl,A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ --, B is --CH₂ CH₂ --, and X²⁻ is 2 Cl⁻. Thisionene polymer is a reaction product ofN,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,2-ethanediamine with (chloromethyl)-oxirane, andhas an average molecular weight of 1,000-5,000. The polymer is availablefrom Buckman Laboratories, Inc. as BUSAN® 79 product and WSCP® IIproduct, which are each 60% aqueous solutions of the polymer.

A second type of ionene polymer comprises the repeating unit of formulaII: ##STR2##

In formula II, the definitions of R¹, R², and A are the same as thosedefined above for formula I. X⁻ is a monovalent counter ion, one half ofa divalent counter ion, or a fraction of a polyvalent counter ionsufficient to balance the cationic charge of the repeating unit whichforms the ionene polymer. X⁻ may be, for example, a halide or trihalideanion, and X⁻ is preferably chloride or bromide.

The ionene polymers having the repeating unit of formula II may beprepared by known methods. One method is to react an amine of theformula R¹ R² NH with a haloepoxide such as epichlorohydrin. Ionenepolymers having the repeating unit of formula II are described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,111,679 and 5,051,124, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated here by reference. The biological activity ofionene polymers having the repeating unit of formula II is alsodescribed in these patents.

Preferred ionene polymers having the repeating unit of formula II arethose where R¹ and R² are each methyl, A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ --, and X⁻is Cl⁻. This polymer is obtained as a reaction product ofN-dimethylamine with (chloromethyl)oxirane, and has an average molecularweight of 2,000-10,000. The polymer is available from BuckmanLaboratories, Inc. as the BUSAN® 1055 product, a 50% aqueous dispersionof the polymer.

Another preferred ionene polymer having the repeating unit of formula IIis obtained as a reaction product of dimethylamine with epichlorohydrin,where R¹ and R² are each methyl, A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ -- and X⁻ is Cl⁻.This ionene polymer has a 5,000-10,000 average molecular weight, and isavailable from Buckman Laboratories, Inc. in a 50% aqueous solution asthe BUSAN® 1055 product.

A third type of ionene polymer comprises a repeating unit of formulaIII: ##STR3## wherein R is ##STR4##

The group Q is --(CHR¹)_(p) --, --CH₂ --CH═CH--CH₂ --, --CH₂ --CH₂--O--CH₂ --CH₂ --, --CH₂ --CH(OH)--CH₂ --, or --(CHR')_(n)--NH--C(O)--NH(CHR')_(n) --. The group B' is {-[CH₂ --CH(OH)--CH₂ --N⁺R'₂ --(CHR')_(n) --NH--C(O)--NH]--, X⁻ } or {-[(CHR')_(n) --N⁺ R'₂ --CH₂--CH(OH)--CH₂ ]--, X⁻ }. The variables n and p independently vary from 2to 12. Each R' is independently hydrogen or a lower alkyl group. X²⁻ isa divalent counter ion, two monovalent counter ions, or a fraction of apolyvalent counter ion sufficient to balance the cationic charge in thegroup R. X⁻ is a monovalent counter ion, one half of a divalent counterion or a fraction of a polyvalent counter ion sufficient to balance thecationic charge in the group B'. Preferably, R' is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄alkyl, n is 2-6, and p is 2-6. Most preferably, R' is hydrogen ormethyl, n is 3 and p is 2. Preferred counter ions for X²⁻ and X⁻ are thesame as those discussed above for formulae I and II.

The polymers of formula III are derived by known methods frombis-(dialkylaminoalkyl) ureas, which are also known as urea diamines.Ionene polymers of the formula III, methods of their preparation, andtheir biological activities are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,081,the disclosure of which is incorporated here by reference.

Preferred ionene polymers having the repeating unit of formula III arethose where R is urea diamine and B' is CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂, and X⁻ is Cl⁻.Available from Buckman Laboratories, Inc., ASTAT product and BL® 1090product are 50% aqueous dispersions of this ionene polymer. The ionenepolymer is obtained as a reaction product ofN,N'-bis-[1-(3-(dimethylamino)-propyl)] urea and epichlorohydrin, suchionene polymer having an average molecular weight of 2,000-15,000,preferably 3,000-7,000.

Ionene polymers comprising the repeating units of formulae I, II, andIII may also be cross-linked with primary, secondary or otherpolyfunctional amines using means known in the art. Ionene polymers canbe cross-linked either through the quaternary nitrogen atom or throughanother functional group attached to the polymer backbone or to a sidechain.

Cross-linked ionene polymers, prepared using cross-linking co-reactants,are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,945 and Reissue U.S. Pat. No.28,808, the disclosures of which are incorporated here by reference. TheReissue Patent describes the cross-linking of ionene polymers preparedby the reaction of dimethylamine and epichlorohydrin. The cross-linkingco-reactants listed are ammonia, primary amines, alkylenediamines,polyglycolamines, piperazines, heteroaromatic diamines and aromaticdiamines.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,124, the disclosure of which is incorporated here byreference, describes cross-linked ionene polymers resulting from thereaction of dimethylamine, a polyfunctional amine, and epichlorohydrin.U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,124 also describes methods of inhibiting the growthof microorganisms using such cross-linked ionene polymers. Otherexamples of various cross-linked ionene polymers and their propertiesare provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,894,946, 3,894,947, 3,930,877,4,104,161, 4,164,521, 4,147,627, 4,166,041, 4,606,773, and 4,769,155.The disclosures of each of these patents is incorporated here byreference.

A preferred cross-linked ionene polymer has a repeating unit of formulaII. This ionene polymer is obtained as a reaction product ofdimethylamine with epichlorohydrin, cross-linked with ethylenediamine,where R¹ and R² are each methyl, A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ -- and X⁻ is Cl⁻.The ionene polymer has a 100,000-500,000 average molecular weight, andis available from Buckman Laboratories, Inc. in a 50% aqueous dispersionas BUSAN® 1157 product.

Another preferred cross-linked ionene polymer has a repeating unit offormula II, where R¹ and R² are each methyl, A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ --, X⁻is Cl⁻. The ionerie polymer is cross-linked with ammonia. This ionenepolymer has a molecular weight of approximately 100,000-500,000, and isavailable from Buckman Laboratories, Inc. in a 50% aqueous dispersionsold as the BL® 1155 product.

Buckman Laboratories, Inc. products BUSAN® 1099 or BUBOND® 65 are 25%aqueous dispersions of a cross-linked ionene polymer having repeatingunits of formula II, where R¹ and R² are each methyl, A is --CH₂CH(OH)CH₂ --, X⁻ is Cl⁻. and the cross-linking agent is monomethylamine.This preferred ionene polymer has a molecular weight of approximately10,000-100,000.

The ionene polymers comprising the repeating units of formulae I, II, orIII may also be capped, i.e., have a specific end group. Capping may beachieved by means known in the art. For example, an excess of eitherreactant used to make the ionene polymer can be employed to provide acapping group. Alternatively, a calculated quantity of a monofunctionaltertiary amine or monofunctional substituted or unsubstituted alkylhalide can be reacted with an ionene polymer to obtain a capped ionenepolymer. Ionene polymers can be capped at one or both ends. Cappedionene polymers and their microbicidal properties are described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,931,319 and 5,093,078, the disclosures of which areincorporated here by reference.

The Salt Carrier Matrix

The salt carrier matrix may be any salt material compatible with theionene polymer and which can be formed into a tablet. The salt carriermatrix should not interfere with the ionene polymer's biologicalactivity. When other materials are present within the tablet, the saltcarrier matrix should not degrade those materials or interfere withtheir properties or biological activity. In other words, the saltcarrier matrix should be inert with respect to the other components ofthe tablet.

A tablet according to the invention contains from about 40 to about 95percent by weight of the salt carrier matrix material. More preferably,the tablet contains about 50 to about 80 percent by weight of the matrixmaterial, and most preferably from about 70 to about 80 percent.

Generally, the salt carrier matrix material should be in the form ofwettable powder or granules. The particle size of the powder or granulesmay vary depending upon the size of tablet to be made. Larger tabletsare more tolerant of larger particles sizes. Preferably, the carriermatrix has a particle size of 12 mesh or smaller.

The matrix material may be a single salt material or a mixture of two ormore salts alone or in combination with other matrix materials. When thecarrier matrix contains a mixture of salts, those salts are preferablypresent in equal amounts, e.g., a mixture of two salts in a 1:1 ratio.As discussed below, the ratio of salts may be adjusted to improve tabletstability, for example, by reducing the hygroscopicity of the carriermatrix.

The salt carrier matrix is preferably a substantially water-solublematrix. Preferably, the salt carrier matrix is a water-soluble inorganicor organic salt or mixtures of such salts. For purposes of the presentinvention, water-soluble means having a solubility in water of about 0.2grams per hundred grams of water at 20° C.

Examples of suitable salts for the carrier matrix include various alkalimetal and/or alkaline earth metal sulfates, chlorides, borates,bromides, citrates, acetates, lactates, etc. Specific examples ofsuitable salts include, but are not limited to, sodium acetate, sodiumbicarbonate, sodium borate, sodium bromide, sodium carbonate, sodiumchloride, sodium citrate, sodium fluoride, sodium gluconate, sodiumsulfate, calcium chloride, calcium lactate, calcium sulfate, potassiumsulfate, tripotassium phosphate, potassium chloride, potassium bromide,potassium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate and lithiumchloride. The preferred salts are the inorganic salts, especially theGroup 1 or 2 metal sulfates and chlorides. Particularly preferred salts,because of their low cost, are sodium sulfate, and sodium chloride.Sodium chloride may be substantially pure or in the form of rock salt,sea salt, or dendrite salt.

As mentioned above, the salt carrier matrix may contain other carriermaterials, preferably in amounts from 0 to about 10 percent by weight ofthe tablet. These materials are preferably solid and include othercarrier materials known in the art. These materials may be solid organicacids such as benzoic, gluconic, or sorbic acid. Use of such materialsmay allow the salt carrier matrix to have beneficial activity, includingbiological activity, in the aqueous system. For example, gluconic acid,or its salts, may be used in a carrier matrix. But when the tablet isadded to an aqueous system, the gluconic acid may additionally functionas a metal chelant to sequester iron and prevent iron oxide staining.

Disintegration Rate Regulators

The tablets of the invention may be formulated for quick disintegrationwhen added to an aqueous system or for sustained release in the aqueoussystem. Quick disintegration allows for direct dosing of an aqueoussystem and may be preferable in aqueous systems experiencing problematicmicrobiological fouling. Sustained release provides a continuous dosingof the system over time. Sustained release tablets may be used forextended prevention or control of biological fouling in an aqueoussystem such as a swimming pool or a toilet tank. Given the biocidalefficacy of ionene polymers both quick disintegration and sustainedrelease tablets can control biofilm or the growth of microorganisms inan aqueous system. The choice between them, as one of ordinary skillappreciates, depends on the particular use.

To control the rate at which a tablet of the invention dissolves in anaqueous system, a disintegration rate regulator (sometimes called asolubility control agent) may be incorporated into the tablet.Disintegration rate regulators are generally hydrophobic materials whichretard dissolution of the tablet. In general, any compound which willcoat, trap, or otherwise limit the release of the ionene polymer ortablet disintegration in the aqueous system to achieve sustained orprolonged release may be used. Some disintegration rate regulators mayalso beneficially serve as a lubricant or mold release agent during thetableting process.

A disintegration rate regulator, or mixtures thereof, may be present inthe tablet in an amount from 0 to about 20 percent by weight of thetablet. More preferably, the disintegration rate regulator is presentfrom about 0.25 to about 10 percent by weight and even more preferablyfrom about 0.5 to about 5 percent. Varying the amount of thedisintegration rate regulator affects the rate at which the tabletdissolves in an aqueous system. In general, little or no disintegrationrate regulator may be used in quick disintegration tablets while largeramounts may be used in sustained release tablets.

The disintegration rate regulator may be a fatty acid or a derivative ofa fatty acid. Fatty acids are composed of a chain of alkyl groupscontaining from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms (usually even numbered)and have a terminal carboxylic acid group. Fatty acids may be straightor branched, saturated or unstaturated and even aromatic. Fatty acidsgenerally exist as solids, semisolids, or liquids. In the presentinvention, the fatty acid or its derivative may act not only as adisintegration rate regulator but also as a lubricant or mold releaseagent while forming the tablet. Fatty acids and their variousderivatives are well-known chemicals and are available from a number ofsuppliers.

Fatty acids which may be used in the present invention include, but arenot limited to, butyric acid, decanoic acid, undecylenic acid, palmiticacid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid,linolenic acid, and phenyl stearic acid. The fatty acid derivativeswhich may be used in the present invention include, for example, fattyacid salts, fatty acid amides, fatty acid alkanolamides, fatty alcohols,fatty amines. Mixtures of fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives mayalso be used. For example, tallow fatty acids, palm oil fatty acids, andcoconut oil fatty acids are mixtures of fatty acids useable in thepresent invention. Derivatives of these fatty acid mixtures may also beused; for example, amide derivatives such as dimethyl amide derivativesof tall oil (DMATO) or palm oil (DMAPO).

One group of preferred disintegration rate regulators are those relatedto stearic acid. These include but are not limited to stearic acid,potassium stearate, magnesium stearate, polyoxyethylenestearate/distearates, polyoxyethylene-2 stearyl ether, glycerylmonostearate, hexaglyceryl distearate, glyceryl palmitostearate, andsodium stearyl fumarate. Magnesium stearate is particularly preferredand is available from Witco Corporation and Mallinkrodt SpecialtyChemical Co. The polyoxyethylene stearates/distearates are a series ofpolyethoxylated derivatives of stearic acid available from ICI Americas,Inc., Wilmington, Del. These include, for example, polyoxyl 6 stearate,polyoxyl 8 stearate, polyoxyl 12 stearate, polyoxyl 20 stearate,polyoxyl 40 stearate, and polyoxyl 50 stearate. Glyceryl monostearate isavailable from Ashland Chemical Co., Columbus, Ohio. Glycerylpalmitostearate is available from Abatar Corporation, Hickory Hills,N.J. A stearic acid based product having a mixture of compounds isSTEROWET product, a mixture of calcium stearate and sodium laurylsulphate.

Polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters or polysorbate esters, represent anothergroup of preferred disintegration rate regulators. These polysorbateesters are sold as "TWEEN" products available from ICI Americas, Inc.,Wilmington, Del. Exemplary esters include polysorbate 81 (TWEEN 81Product), polysorbate 85 (TWEEN 85 Product), polysorbate 61 (TWEEN 61Product), polysorbate 65 (TWEEN 65 Product), and polysorbate 21 (TWEEN21 Product).

Polyoxyethylene ethers, preferably those having alkyl chains of aboutten carbons or more, may also be used as disintegration rate regulatorsin tablets of the invention. These longer alkyl chains increase thehydrophobicity of the ether. Polyoxyethylene ethers are available fromICI Americas, Inc., Wilmington, Del. Examples of these ethers include 2cetyl ether, 2 stearyl ether, 3 decyl ether, 3 lauryl ether, 3 myristylether, 3 cetyl ether, 3 stearyl ether, 4 lauryl ether, 4 myristyl ether,4 cetyl ether, 4 stearyl ether, 5 decyl ether, 5 lauryl ether, 5myristyl ether, 5 cetyl ether, 5 stearyl ether, 6 decyl ether, 6 stearylether, 7 lauryl ether, 7 myristyl ether, 7 cetyl ether, 7 stearyl ether,8 lauryl ether, 8 myristyl ether, 8 cetyl ether, 8 stearyl ether, 9lauryl ether, 10 lauryl ether, 10 tridecyl ether, 10 cetyl ether, 10stearyl ether, 10 oleyl ether, 20 cetyl ether, 20 isohexadecyl ether, 20stearyl ether, 20 oleyl ether, and 21 stearyl ether.

Other disintegration rate regulators which may be used includehydrogenated vegetable oils such as the STEROTEX product and Durotexproduct from Capital City Products of Columbus Ohio. The disintegrationrate regulator may also be a wax such as carnauba wax, petroleum ceresin(available from International Wax Refining Co., beeswax (yellow wax) orshellac, (the latter two, available from Van Waters and Rogers).Aliphatic amides such as cocoa amide and octadecanoic amide orhydrogenated tallow amides such as oliamide may also be employed asdisintegration rate regulators. Polyethylene amides may also be includedin a tablet as a disintegration rate regulator.

A particular disintegration rate regulator may be chosen for use in atablet on the basis of its properties, for example, ease of use in thetableting process and benefits to the final tablet. The disintegrationrate regulator of choice may be slightly, moderately, or veryhydrophobic depending upon the particular use. Less hydrophobicregulators are generally used for quick disintegration tablets and morehydrophobic ones for sustained release tablets. For example, sodiumstearyl fumarate is less hydrophobic than either stearic acid ormagnesium stearate. Thus, sodium stearyl fumarate may be used toincrease the rate of dissolution over tablets containing stearic acid ormagnesium stearate. Mixtures of disintegration rate regulators may beused to a achieve a desired degree of hydrophobicity or rate ofdissolution.

Anticaking Agents

In addition to the salt carrier matrix, an anticaking agent may bepresent in a tablet of the invention. The anticaking agent may act asbinders, desiccants, or absorbents. These anticaking agents should beslightly hygroscopic to non-hygroscopic in nature and may buffer theuptake of moisture by the tablet. Granular or powder forms arepreferred. The anticaking agents may be present in amounts from 0 toabout 10 percent by weight of the tablet, more preferably, from about0.1 to about 5 percent by weight, and most preferably from about 0.5 toabout 1.5 percent.

Any anticaking agent known in the tableting art may be used in thepresent invention. Preferably, the anticaking agent is only slightlysoluble in water, or more preferably insoluble. Suitable anticakingagents are described in Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, 2d Ed.,A. Wade and P. Waller, Eds., (Amer. Pharm. Assoc., 1994). Mixtures ofanticaking agents may also be used. Examples of suitable anticakingagents include, but are not limited to, magnesium trisilicate, magnesiumoxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium silicate (e.g., magnesiummetasilicate, magnesium orthosilicate), calcium carbonate, calciumsilicate (e.g., CaSiO₃, CaSiO₄, CaSiO₅), calcium phosphate (e.g.,dibasic calcium phosphate, tribasic calcium phosphate), calcium sulfate,talc, fumed silica, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, microcrystallinecellulose, 5-chloromethyl-2-oxazolidinone and starch.

Biocidal Adjuvants

The tablets of the invention may contain other biocidal adjuvantscommonly used in water treatment. Such adjuvants include, for example,germicides, fungicides, sanitizers, and oxidizing and/or halogen-releaseagents as well as water clarifiers. These biocidal adjuvants may bepresent from 0 to about 50 percent by weight of the tablet. Morepreferably, they are present from about 5 to about 40 percent by weightof the tablet and most preferably about 10 to about 30 percent. Thebiocidal adjuvant should preferably be in a solid from. Liquidformulations may used but should not promote undesirable interactionswith the ionene polymer or other tablet components.

Suitable germicides include, for example, formaldehyde release agentssuch as 1,3,5,7-tetra-aza-adamantane hexamethylenetetramine, chlorinatedphenols, 1,3,5-tris(ethyl)hexahydro-s-triazine,hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine,1,3-(dihydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, N-methylolchloroacetamide,and the like. Hexahydro-1,3,5-tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine isavailable from Buckman Laboratories, Memphis, Tenn. as BUSAN® 1060product, a 78.5 percent active solid formulation.

The oxidizing and/or halogen-release agents which can be used inconnection with the present invention include, for example,N-chlorinated cyanuric acid derivatives such as sodiumdichloroisocyanurate, N-chlorosuccinimide, Chloramine T.dichlorosuccinimide, bromochlorodimethylhydantoin, 1,3-dichloro5,5-dimethylhydantoin, and alkali metal or alkaline earth metalhypochlorites such as chlorinated sodium tripolyphosphate. Othersinclude sodium perborate, calcium hypochlorite, trichloro-s-trione, andpotassium monosulfate. Barium metaborate formulations (modified bariummetaborate monohydrate) are available from Buckman Laboratories,Memphis, Tenn. under the trade names BUSAN® 11-M1 product and BUSAN®11-M2 product.

Other biocidal adjuvants include potassium n-hydroxymethyl-N-methylthiocarbamate, a 30% active ingredient in BUSAN® 52 product, 30% activeingredient; 2-thiocyanomethylthiobenzothiazole, TCMTB, as BUSAN® 30-C,BUSAN® 30-WB and BUSAN® 1030 products; and MECT 5 product, a mixture of2.5 by weight and 2.5 percent by weight TCMTB. Each of these products isavailable from Buckman Laboratories, Memphis, Tenn. The biocide BTC2125MP40 product may also be used. BTC 2125MP40 product contains 40percent of a mixture of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride andalkyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride and is available from StepanChemicals, Northfield, Ill. Chlorhexidine diacetate, another biocidaladjuvant, is the chemical1,1-hexamethylenebis-[5-(4-chloro-2-phenyl)biguanide] diacetateavailable from Lonza Chemical Co., Fairlawn, N.J.

Conventional water clarifiers may also be included in a tablet of theinvention. Clarifiers include, for example, polyDMDAC, aluminum sulfate,and CHITOSAN product.

Dyes and Coloring Agents

A tablet according to the invention may also contain a dye or coloringagent as is known in the art. Dyes or coloring agents may beincorporated in amounts known in the art, for example from 0 to about 5percent by weight. Examples of suitable dyes for use in non-oxidizingcompositions are Alizarine Light Blue B (C.L. 63010), Carta Blue VP(C.L. 24401), Acid Green 2G (C.L. 42085), Astragon Green D (C.L. 42040),Supranol Cyanine 7B (C.L. 42875), Maxilon Blue 3RL (C.L. Basic Blue 80),acid yellow 23, acid violet 17, a direct violet dye (direct violet 51),Drimarine Blue Z-RL (C.L. Reactive Blue 18), Alizarine Light Blue H-RL(C.L. Acid Blue 182), FD&C Blue No.1, FD&C Green No. 3 and Acid Blue No.9. Additional dyes or coloring agents are described U.S. Pat. Nos.4,310,434 and 4,477,363, and in the Pharmaceutical Excipients, 2d Ed.,A. Wade and P. Waller, Eds., Amer. Handbook of Pharm. Assoc. 1994.

Perfumes

The tablets of the invention may also contain a perfume or fragrance ascommonly used in the art. The perfume imparts an acceptable odor to thetablet and the aqueous system, for example toilet water. The perfume orfragrance may be present in known amounts in the art, for example up to5 percent by weight of the tablet. "Perfumes" include any materialhaving an acceptable odor. Thus, materials giving a disinfectant odorsuch as essential oils, pine extracts, terpinolenes, ortho phenyl phenolor paradichloro-benzene may be employed. In some embodiments, theessential oils and pine extracts also contribute as plasticizers andfunction, to a degree, as disintegration rate regulators. Other perfumesor fragrances are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,522.

Other Adjuvants and Coatings

A tablet of the invention may also include other adjuvants known for usewith water treatment tablets. Exemplary adjuvants include, but are notlimited to, fillers, binders, glidants, lubricants, or antiadherents,water-softening or chelating agents, stabilizers, etc. Examples of suchadjuvants, the properties they add to a tablet, and their uses aredescribed in the patents discussed above relating to solid forms ofwater treatment chemicals.

Tablets according to the invention may also coated with coatings knownin the art. For example, a tablet may be provided with a coating of awater-soluble film, such as polyvinyl alcohol, to make handling moreconvenient.

Recent advances in coating technology, such as side vented pans, haveincreased the efficiency of aqueous coating operations. Among the mostcommon ways to apply coatings is through film coating (deposition of acoat through an aqueous or solvent base) or compression coating(compressing a coating around a core tablet). Techniques such as thesecould also permit the addition of agents to the surface of tabletimparting additional sustained characteristics to the tablets. Somewhatanalogous to coatings, the tablet may be manufactured as an inlay tabletor multilayered tablet in which the ionene polymer-containing portion is"sandwiched" between, for example, slow release matrices. This may alsocreate a sustained release tablet according to the invention. Foradditional reference consult "Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets Vols.1-3", 2d Ed., 1989, H. A. Lieberman, L. Lachman, and J. B. Schwartz,Eds.

A second embodiment of the invention is a method of making a tabletizedionene polymer according to the invention. To make a ionene polymertablet, an aqueous solution of an ionene polymer is mixed with a saltcarrier matrix to form a moist mass. The moist mass is then dried underconditions sufficient to form dry granules. The size of the dry granulesis then reduced to yield a powder and the powder compressed into atablet. The method of the invention and its preferred embodiments aredescribed in more detail below. FIG. 1 depicts a preferred generalmethod.

The first step in making a tabletized ionene polymer according to theinvention involves mixing an aqueous solution of at least one ionenepolymer with a salt carrier matrix to form a moist mass. Theliquid/solid mixing step can be accomplished using conventionalblenders/mixers, such as a planetary, ribbon, or double arm mixer.

The amount of ionene polymer solution and carrier matrix used willdepend upon the amount of ionene polymer desired in the final tablet. Ingeneral, aqueous solutions of ionene polymers are viscous liquidscontaining from about 25 to 60 percent ionene polymer by weight.Accordingly, since the ionene is in solution, the amount of the amountof the solution used also depends on the concentration of the ionenepolymer in the aqueous system.

The mixing step should preferably result in a moist mass with the ionenepolymer solution and salt carrier matrix homogeneously mixed. Thus, theamount of ionene polymer solution used should not be so great as todissolve the carrier or form a slurry. In general, the ratio of ionenepolymer solution to salt carrier matrix should range from about 1:10 toabout 2:10. Using an excess amount of solution may not only dissolve thecarrier but also cause the mixture to be unsuitable for use insubsequent steps of the method. If this occurs, the excess liquid may beremoved from the mixture using techniques known in the art, e.g., bydrying as described below. Alternatively, additional carrier matrix maybe added until a useable consistency is obtained. Adding carrier matrixwill affect the amount of ionene polymer in the final tablet.

Where the carrier matrix contains more than one carrier, those carriersare preferably homogeneously mixed in a separate step before mixing withthe ionene polymer solution. Additional tablet components may also bemixed with the carrier matrix prior to mixing with the ionene polymersolution. These other components are preferably added as powders. Forexample, a solid anticaking agent may be mixed with the salt carriermatrix prior to mixing with the ionene polymer solution. If theadditional components are in liquid form they may be added with theionene polymer solution. The sequence of mixing components in this stepis not critical.

As a second step, the moist mass formed in the mixing step is dried toform dry granules. This removes excess liquid from the moist mass priorto tableting. After drying, the granules preferably have a moisturecontent ranging from about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight. Morepreferably, the moisture ranges from about 1 to about 3 percent byweight.

The moist mass may be dried using techniques known in the art. The moistmass may, for example, be dried on trays in hot air ovens, in afluidized bed dryer, under vacuum, spray dried, or by other standarddrying techniques. In general, mixtures of a carrier matrix and anionene polymer are resilient and not necessarily affected by hightemperatures.

For heated drying, the temperature may range from about 50° C. to about80° C. Drying times will vary depending on the moisture content of themoist mass. In general, drying for approximately 3 hours at about 50° C.yields dried granules having a moisture content of about 3 percent byweight. Higher temperatures may be used for shorter drying times. Thetemperature, however, should not be so high as to decompose or degradethe carrier matrix or the ionene polymer. Preferably, the moist mass maybe dried in a hot oven at about 50° C.

Spray drying and fluidized bed drying techniques may be used toaccomplish both the mixing and drying steps of the method. An aqueoussolution of an ionene polymer may be sprayed onto the salt carriermatrix to form agglomerates. Hot air flows dry the agglomerates drivingoff volatile components and forming dried granules.

After the drying step is complete, the particle size of the resultinggranules are reduced to form a powder. The particle size of the granulesmay be reduced using grinding or screening techniques known in the art.Depicting a general preferred embodiment, FIG. 1 shows both a grindingand a screening step. Additional grinding or screening steps may be usedto reduce the particle size as needed or desired. Grinding may beaccomplished using, for example, a Fitz mill or a tornado mill.

Moisture may be absorbed while the size of the dry granules is beingreduced. In general, however, any moisture picked up is small or evennegligible and does not affect the final tablet.

The particle size of the powder depends upon the size of the tablet tobe formed. Larger tablets do not require as small a particle size assmaller tablets. The powder preferably has a particle size of less than12 mesh and may be about 200 to about 400 mesh or smaller.

The amount of an ionene polymer in the final tablet may be increased bymixing the granules or the powder from the above steps with additionalionene polymer solution to again form a moist mass as described above.This moist mass may then be carried through the method of the invention.In other words, the granules or powder of the ionene polymer/carriermatrix may be recycled through the mixing, drying, and particle sizereduction steps to increase the amount of ionene polymer in the finaltablet. Mixtures of ionerie polymers may also be added in this manner.

Before compressing the powder into a tablet, other tablet componentssuch as those discussed above may be added to the powder in an optionalblending step, preferably a dry blending step. Thus, for example, thepowder may be blended with various other tablet components such as thosediscussed above, for example, a disintegration rate regulator, ananticaking agent, a fragrance, a dye and/or other components. Additionalgrinding and/or screening may also be done after the blending step, ifdesired or necessary. If liquid formulations are added at this stage,additional drying, grinding and/or screening steps may be used.

The powder, after the size reduction step or the blending step, is thencompressed into a tablet. "Compressing" the powder into a tablet may beaccomplished by any tablet formation step known in the art. Preferably,as shown in FIG. 1, the powder is compressed into a tablet usingpressure. Tableting pressures generally range from about 10 to about 40tons per square inch.

The amount pressure applied to compress the powder into a tablet shouldnot be too low such that the resulting tablet is weak and withoutintegrity, or for sustained release applications, dissolves too rapidly.If the pressure is too high, the tablet may dissolve too slowly. Theactual pressure employed for making a tablet out of any particularpowder will depend, to some extent, upon the tablet's end use (quickdisintegration or sustained release), its components and their relativeproportions in the mixture. In any event, it will be a routine matter toestablish the preferred method and/or pressure for tableting ionenepolymer/carrier matrix mixtures according to the invention.

It is generally preferred that the pre-compression tablet mixture to betableted consists only of dry particulate materials, i.e., contains onlysmall amounts of moisture or liquid. In general, up to about 7 percentby weight of moisture or liquid may be tolerated. The pre-compressiontablet mixture is the mixture of tablet components prepared duringvarious steps of the method prior to compressing the powder into thetablet. After drying step the moist mass, the pre-compression tabletmixture generally does not take up significant amounts of moisture whichwould affect the overall tabletization or the final tablet. However, ifthe amount of moisture hinders the tableting process, additional dryingsteps may be introduced after any step to reduce the moisture content ofthe pre-compression tablet mixture. For example, the powder may be driedbefore compressing it into a tablet. If necessary to reduce particlesize, additional grinding and screening steps may also be used.

In the initial tablet formulations, some notable aspects of thetabletizing process were observed. To assist in the practice of theinvention, those aspects are discussed below.

As discussed above, excess moisture taken up by the carrier matrix orpre-compression tablet mixture may compromise the compressibility orintegrity of the tablets. Thus, one aspect observed was hygroscopicity,or moisture uptake of various pre-compression tablet mixtures. Someinitial carrier matrices used included the salt mixtures: sodiumchloride/sodium bromide, sodium chloride/lithium bromide and sodiumchloride/sodium citrate. These carrier mixtures apparently have a highmoisture affinity. However, the carrier mixtures can be effectivelyutilized by changing the ratio of the salts, more particularly in thesecases by increasing the amount of sodium chloride. A good example ofsuitable carriers matrixes using this combination of salts are thosehaving ratios of 7:2 or 7:3 sodium chloride to sodium bromide, lithiumbromide, or sodium citrate. Preferred carrier matrix formulations orpre-compression tablet formulations are those that take the least amountof moisture at ambient relative humidity (60-72%). Accordingly,adjusting the ratio of carrier components can avoid unwanted moistureuptake during the tableting process.

To some extent, all of the pre-compression tablet formulations made wereslightly hygroscopic. This generally did not affect the structuralintegrity of the final tablet. In fact, as discussed below in theExamples, the dried granules may be allowed to stand at ambient relativehumidity and absorb moisture to equilibrium before further processing.The resulting tablets took up the least amount of moisture of allformulations. Additionally, some acceptable pre-compression tabletmixtures showed some moisture uptake which decreased over time orstopped entirely. Presumably, these mixtures reached some sort ofmoisture content equilibrium.

A second aspect observed with some tablets was the apparent loss of theionene polymer due to migration out of the tablet. This phenomenonapparently occurred in tablets with an improper balance of tabletcomponents. For example, too much disintegration rate regulator with toolittle carrier matrix made the ionene polymer migrate out of the tabletgiving the tablet a sticky feeling. Aside from loss of activeingredient, ionene polymer migration may also cause undesirableinteractions with other tablet components. For example, the migratingionene polymer may interact with a biocidal adjuvant causing both to bedeactivated. This migration was corrected by increasing the amount ofcarrier matrix and/or adding an anticaking agent to the pre-compressiontablet formulation.

Tablet appearance, such as color and texture, represents a third aspectobserved with initial tablets. Tablet color changes were noted from awhite/off white color to shades of brown to reddish pink. In general,the tablets themselves exhibited acceptable hygroscopicity indexes.Tablets having white to off-white color were considered preferable. Someinorganic anti-caking agents such as calcium sulphate, calciumphosphate, and talc may impart more of a gray color to the tablet. Datafor tablets showing color changes is shown in Table IV below. Othertablets had a "glossy" appearance due to the stearates, (e.g., magnesiumstearate), added as disintegration rate regulators.

A fourth aspect worth noting was the interrelationship between ionenepolymer release and tablet disintegration. In general, for example, if87% of the ionene polymer is released to an aqueous system, then about87% of the tablet would be expected to have disintegrated. In sometablets if too much disintegration rate regulator was used, the ionenepolymer came out as desired, but will left an only partiallydisintegrated tablet behind. This phenomenon was mostly observed instatic situations and not turbulent or recirculating situations.Optimally, the tablet should disintegrate uniformly as the product isreleased. This may be accomplished by adjusting the amount ofdisintegration rate regulator.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for controllingthe growth of microorganisms in an aqueous system capable of supportingsuch growth. As discussed above, ionene polymers are known to controlthe growth of microorganisms, biofilm, and slime formation in aqueoussystems. The method of the invention uses a tabletized ionene polymer todeliver the ionene polymer to the aqueous system. The tablet may be aquick disintegration or a sustained release tablet depending on theaqueous system and any existing biological fouling. The tablets of theinvention are particularly useful in the aqueous systems previouslydiscussed.

According to the present invention, control of the growth of amicroorganism in an aqueous system means control to, at, or below adesired level and for a desired period of time for the particularsystem. This can vary from the complete prevention or inhibition ofmicroorganism growth to control at a certain desired level and/or for adesired time. Controlling the growth of a microorganism includescontrolling, and preferably preventing, biofilm and/or slime formationin the aqueous system.

In the method of the invention, the aqueous system is treated with anionene polymer in an amount effective to control the growth of at leastone microorganism in the aqueous system. The ionene polymer is deliveredto the aqueous system as a tablet according to the invention. Thetabletized ionene polymers of the invention may be used in the samemanner as other solid water treatment chemicals. As with other solidwater treatment chemicals, the tabletized ionene polymers may be addeddirectly to the aqueous system or placed in device designed to allowcontrolled contact between the tablet and the aqueous system, forexample, a skimmer basket.

The method of the invention can be used in any aqueous systemsusceptible to the growth of microorganisms. The tabletized ionenepolymers of the invention may be employed in aqueous systems used inindustrial processes such as metal working fluid systems, papermaking ortextile process water systems, cooling water systems (both intakecooling water and effluent cooling water), and waste water systemsincluding waste waters or sanitation waters such as toilet waters orwaters undergoing treatment of the waste in the water, e.g. sewagetreatment systems. The tabletized ionene polymers may also be used inrecreational water systems such as swimming pools or fountains. Thefollowing is a more specific discussion directed to some preferred usesand preferred formulations of the tablets of the invention.

Biological fouling in recreational water systems, such as pools, spas,decorative fountains, or water parks, often occurs due to algal growthin the aqueous system. Tablets of the invention designed for thisapplication should deliver an effective amount of ionene polymer toobtain the desired algicidal and/or algistatic effect. The averagerecommended maintenance dosage is generally 0.5 to 5 ppm per 10,000gallons of water every 5-7 days (1.6-3.0 mL per cubic meter of water).For spas, a dosage of 0.1 to 0.5 ppm per 1,000 gallons of water isgenerally recommended. The tablet used may deliver the ionene polymer ina quick release or in a sustained release fashion depending on the needsof the system. Tablet size will vary depending on the type of tabletused (sustained release are generally larger) and whether the tabletcontains other biocidal adjuvants such as halogenated compounds. Thetablet may or not be colored with water soluble approved FD&C colorssuch as FD&C blue #1. Fragrances are not usually employed in tablets foruse in recreational water systems.

Another common use of solid water treatment chemicals is the treatmentof toilet bowl water. Tablets designed for this application shoulddeliver an effective amount of ionene polymer to control, preferably todeter or prevent, bacterial biofilm accumulation and/or the growth ofmicroorganisms. The average dosages of ionene polymer required to inthis application generally range between 0.1 to 10 ppm. The tablet maycontain additional components could be tabletized in conjunction withthe ionene polymer. Desirable components may include, for example, dyes,fragrances, and/or other biocidal adjuvants to broaden the spectrum ofbiological activity. Sustained release tablets are generally preferredfor this application.

Tablets used in cooling water systems preferably deliver between 2-20ppm of ionene polymer every 1-5 days or as needed to control the growthof microorganisms, for example, to control algal blooms. Sustainedrelease tablets are preferred to maintain water quality while quickrelease tablets may be used to address exiting biological fouling. Thetablet may preferably contain beneficial ingredients such as sodiumgluconate and/or sodium bromide commonly used in cooling waterapplications. Other ingredients such as dyes or fragrances are notgenerally used in tablets for cooling water systems.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided to illustrate, not limit, thepresent invention.

Example 1. Preparation of a Tabletized Ionene Polymer--Tablet 3

Five grams each of sodium chloride (granular) and anhydrous sodiumsulfate were weighed and mixed to form the carrier matrix. Additionally,0.5 grams of magnesium trisilicate (an anticaking agent) was added tothis salt mixture and mixed with a mortar and pestle to obtain a uniformpowder. Subsequently, 2 grams of BUSAN® 1157 product was added and mixedto obtain a homogeneous moist mass.

The ionene polymer in BUSAN® 1157 product is a reaction product ofdimethylamine with epichlorohydrin, cross-linked with ethylenediamine.Referring to formula II, the ionene polymer has substituents where R¹and R² are each methyl, A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ -- and X⁻ is Cl⁻. Theionene polymer has a 100,000-500,000 average molecular weight. BUSAN®1157 product is available from Buckman Laboratories, Inc. in a 50%aqueous dispersion.

After the mixing step, the mixture was dried in a 50° C. oven forapproximately 3 hours. The dried granules were then ground with a mortarand pestle to obtain a fine powder. The ionene polymer/carrier mixturewas then compressed into tablets (32 mm in diameter and 8.5 mm in width)with manual carver press (Model C). The resulting tablet, Tablet 3 inTable I below, weighed 10.8 grams.

The tablet was placed in an open dish and monitored at ambient roomconditions, (23°-25° C. and 70 percent humidity) for 28 days todetermine the degree of hygroscopicity. The tablet weight increased only0.15 grams, a hygroscopicity index of 1.4%. The tablet was, therefore,considered to be a preferred tablet of the invention.

Example 2. Preparation of a Tabletized ionene Polymer--Tablet 4

Five grams each of sodium chloride (granular) and anhydrous sodiumsulfate were weighed and mixed to form the carrier matrix. Additionally,0.5 grams of magnesium trisilicate (an anticaking agent) was added tothis salt mixture and mixed using a mortar and pestle to obtain auniform powder. Subsequently, 2 grams of BUSAN® 1157 product was addedand mixed to obtain a homogeneous moist mass. The moist mass was thendried in a 50° C. oven for approximately 3 hours. The dried granuleswere then ground using a mortar and pestle to obtain a fine powder. Thepowder was then blended with 0.5 grams of stearic acid (a disintegrationrate regulator). The resulting mixture was then compressed into tablets(32 mm in diameter and 8.5 mm in width) with manual carver press (ModelC). The resulting tablet, Tablet 4 in Table I, weighed 10.7 grams.

Monitoring its weight at ambient room conditions as in Example 1 for 48days to determine degree of hygroscopicity, the tablet weight increasedonly 0.041 grams. Tablet 4 having a hygroscopicity index of 0.12 was,therefore, considered to be a most preferred tablet of the invention.

Example 3. Preparation of a Tabletized Ionene Polymer--Tablet 14

Five grams each of sodium chloride (granular) and anhydrous sodiumsulfate were weighed and mixed to form the carrier matrix. Additionally,0.5 grams of magnesium trisilicate (an anticaking agent) was added tothis salt mixture and mixed with a mortar and pestle to obtain a uniformpowder. Subsequently, 2 grams of BUSAN® 1157 product was added and mixedto obtain a homogeneous moist mass. At this stage, the moist mass wasdried in a 50° C. oven for approximately 3 hours. The resulting drygranules were then ground using mortar and pestle to obtain a finepowder. The powder was then blended using a mortar and pestel with 0.5grams of stearic acid (a disintegration rate regulator), 1.0 gram ofpolyoxyethylene-2-stearyl ether (a disintegration rate regulator) and1.0 gram of trichloro-s-triazinetrione (a biocidal adjuvant, ACL 90 plusproduct available from Occidental Chemical Corporation). The resultingmixture was then compressed into tablets (32 mm in diameter and 8.5 mmin width) with manual carver press (Model C). The resulting tablet,Tablet 14 in Table II, weighed 13.0 grams. Monitoring its weight atambient room conditions as in Example 1 to determine its degree ofhygroscopicity, Tablet 14 increased in weight 0.129 grams over 30 days.Tablet 14, with a hygroscopicity index of 0.60, was considered to be apreferred tablet of the invention.

Tables I, II, III, and IV present additional data relating to othertablets of the invention. The tablets were prepared and evaluated usingthe same procedures as described in Examples 1 through 3 above. Exceptas noted, 2 grams of the ionene polymer solution used in these tabletswas BUSAN® 1157 product available from Buckman Laboratories Inc.,Memphis, Tenn.

The following abbreviations are used in Tables I-IV: ACA=anticakingagent, DRR=disintegration rate regulator, ITW=initial tablet weight, andHI=hygroscopicity index. Other abbreviations refer to specificcomponents. Polyoxy refers to polyoxyethylene-2-stearyl ether, adisintegration rate regulator. ARMID 18 is ARMID 18 product, a fattyacid used as a disintegration rate regulator and available from AkzoChemical Co., Cooke, Ill. Oxazolidinone refers to5-chloromethyl-2-oxazolidinone, a disintegration rate regulator.Mono-quat refers to BTC 2125MP40 product, a biocide containing 40percent of a mixture of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride andalkyldimethyl-ethylbenzylammonium chloride available from StepanChemicals, Northfield, Ill. Chlorhexidine diacetate is the biocidaladjuvant 1,1-hexamethylenebis[5-(4-chloro-2-phenyl)biguanide] diacetateavailable from Lonza Chemical Co., Fairlawn, N.J. Other biocidaladjuvants used in the tablets include trichloro-s-triazonetrione,calcium hypochlorite, and sodium borate. The tables list the color ofthe tablets as follows: W=White, OW=Off white, DW=Dull white, LB=LightBrown, B=Brown, and PK=pink. Other notes follow each table.

                                      TABLE I                                     __________________________________________________________________________            TABLET COMPOSITIONS (wt in grams)                                             1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10 11                                      __________________________________________________________________________    Carrier Matrix                                                                Sodium  5  5  5  5  5  5  5  5  5  5  5                                       chloride                                                                      Sodium  5  5  5  5  5  5  5  5  5  5  5                                       sulphate                                                                      ACA                                                                           Magnesium                                                                             1.0                                                                              0.5                                                                              0.5                                                                              0.5                                                                              0.5                                                                              0.5                                                                              0.5                                                                              1.0                                                                              0.5                                                                              0.5                                        trisilicate                                                                   Oxazolidinone          0.5                                                    Microcrystal-                         0.5                                     line cellulose                                                                DRR                                                                           Stearic acid     0.5                                                                              0.5   1.0         1.0                                     Magnesium                                                                             0.5                                                                              0.5         0.5      0.5                                           stearate                                                                      Hexaglyceryl                 0.5                                              distearate                   .sup.a                                           Polyoxy    0.5                  1.0   1.0                                     Potassium           0.5            0.5                                        stearate                                                                      Other additives                                                               Sodium                                1.0                                     Perborate                                                                     ITW     12.3                                                                             12.1                                                                             9.9                                                                              10.8                                                                             10.9                                                                             10.8                                                                             11.8                                                                             11.3                                                                             12.5                                                                             12.7                                                                             12.5                                    HI (% by wt)/                                                                         .34/                                                                             .28/                                                                             1.4/                                                                             .12/                                                                             .68/                                                                             .72/                                                                             .75/                                                                             .20/                                                                             .84/                                                                             .20/                                                                             .07/                                    (days)  49 49 28 48 46 52 48 52 46 48 30                                      Rating: MP MP P  MP MP MP MP MP MP MP MP                                      Tablet Color                                                                          W  W  OW DW W  W  OW W  W  W  W                                       __________________________________________________________________________     Table I notes:                                                                .sup.a = added to carrier matrix prior to mixing step                    

                                      TABLE II                                    __________________________________________________________________________            TABLET COMPOSITIONS (wt in grams)                                             12  13.sup.a                                                                          14  15  16  17  18  19  20                                    __________________________________________________________________________    Carrier Matrix                                                                Sodium      5   5   5   5   5   5   5   5                                     chloride                                                                      Sodium  2.5 5   5   5   5   5       5   5                                     sulphate                                                                      CaSO.sub.4                                                                            2.5                                                                   Sodium                          5                                             Gluconate                                                                     ACA                                                                           Magnesium                                                                             1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5     0.5     0.5 0.5                                   trisilicate                                                                   Magnesium               0.2                                                   oxide                                                                         Zinc oxide                      0.5                                           DRR                                                                           Stearic acid                                                                          0.5 0.5 1.0     1.0 1.0 0.5 0.3 0.3                                   Polyoxy 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0                                               ARMID 18            1.0                                                       Other additives                                                               Trichloro-s-    1.0                                                           triazinetrione                                                                Calcium                     1.0                                               hypochlorite                                                                  Mono-quat                           1.0                                       Chlorhexidine                           1.0                                   diacetate                                                                     ITW     7.3 12.1                                                                              13.0                                                                              11.5                                                                              11.9                                                                              13.4                                                                              10.9                                                                              11.5                                                                              11.7                                  HI (% by wt)/                                                                         1.5/44                                                                            0.sup.b /44                                                                       .60/30                                                                            0.sup.b /45                                                                       1.5/28                                                                            0.sup.b /30                                                                       1.0/32                                                                            2.1/17                                                                            1.8/17                                (days)                                                                        Rating: P   MP  MP  MP  P   MP  P   (P).sup.c                                                                         (P).sup.c                             Tablet color:                                                                         W   OW  W   OW  OW  W   W   W   W                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Table II notes:                                                               .sup.a = dried granules allowed to stand at room ambient conditions           overnight,                                                               

b=tablet showed slight weight loss,

c=17 day measurement

                  TABLE III                                                       ______________________________________                                                   TABLET COMPOSITIONS                                                           (wt in grams)                                                                 21      22      23.sup.a  24.sup.b                                 ______________________________________                                        Carrier matrix                                                                Sodium chloride                                                                            5.0               5.0     5.0                                    Sodium sulphate                                                                            5.0               5.0     5.0                                    Calcium sulphate       5.0                                                    ACA                                                                           Magnesium trisilicate                                                                      0.2       1.0     0.5     0.5                                    DRR                                                                           Stearic acid 0.2       0.5     1.0     0.5                                    Polyoxy                1.0                                                    Other additives                                                               Sodium Perborate                       0.5                                    ITW          10.4      7.2     11.7    11.6                                   HI (% by wt)/(days)                                                                        1.5/24    1.8/44  1.2/32  2.0/32                                 Rating:      P         P       P       P                                      Tablet color:                                                                              OW        W       OW      OW                                     ______________________________________                                         Table III notes:                                                              .sup.a = To increase the ionene polymer content, an additional 1 gram of      BUSAN ® 1157 product was added to the powder after the initial mixing     drying and grinding steps. Tablet 23 was then prepared according to the       method of the invention shown in Examples 1-3.                                .sup.b = To increase the ionene polymer content, an additional 2 grams of     BUSAN ® 1157 product was added to the powder after the initial mixing     drying and grinding steps. Tablet 24 was then prepared according to the       method of the invention shown in Examples 1-3.                           

                  TABLE IV                                                        ______________________________________                                        COLORED TABLETS                                                                          TABLET COMPOSITIONS                                                           (wt in grams)                                                                 25    26      27      28    29                                     ______________________________________                                        Carrier Matrix                                                                Sodium chloride                                                                            5       5       10    2.5   5                                    Sodium sulphate                                                                            5       5             5     5                                    Sorbic acid                  0.5   2.5                                        Benzoic acid 0.5                                                              ACA                                                                           Aluminum hydroxide   0.2.sup.a                                                Magnesium trisilicate                                                                      0.5.sup.a                                                        DRR                                                                           Stearic acid         1.0     1.0   1.0   1.0                                  Polyoxy      0.5                   1.0                                        Other additives                                                               Titanium dioxide                         0.5.sup.a                            ITW          10.3    10.1    11.1  11.6  11.0                                 HI (% by wt)/                                                                              .91/42  .78/35  .86/22                                                                              1.4/29                                                                              .81/35                               (days)                                                                        Rating:      MP      MP      MP    P     MP                                   Tablet Color OB      PK      OB    OB    PK                                   ______________________________________                                         Table IV notes:                                                               .sup.a = component added into powder in a dry blending step prior to          tablet compression                                                       

Example 4. Determination of Moisture Content

The moisture content of the ionene polymer/carrier mixture after variousstep in the tabletization process was measured using the followingstandard procedure. An empty, dry plastic beaker was weighed. A samplewhose moisture content was being measured was placed in the beaker andthe beaker plus sample weighed. The beaker plus sample was placed in anoven heated to at least 105° C. for at least one hour or until thesample was completely dry--a constant dry weight obtained. The beakerplus sample was then weighed. The amount of moisture in the originalsample was determined from the difference in weight prior to drying andafter drying. The amount of moisture was expressed as a weightpercentage of the original sample before drying. The moisture contentfor two mixtures of ionene polymer/carrier according to the invention isshown in Table V.

                  TABLE V                                                         ______________________________________                                        Percent Moisture content (specifications)                                     Measurements       Tablet 1 Tablet 3                                          ______________________________________                                        1 Mixing step:     8.3      7.9                                               moist cake                                                                    2 Drying step:     1.7      1.4                                               dried granules                                                                3 Direct compression:                                                                            2.3      1.8                                               final blend & tabletized                                                      ______________________________________                                    

Example 5. Ionene polymer Release Rate Determination

Tablet 10 was chosen to determine the release rate of ionene polymerfrom a tablet of the invention while in an aqueous system. The tabletwas placed in a beaker containing 2 liters of water. A solutioncontaining an equivalent amount of ionene polymer per milliliter wasprepared as the standard solution containing BUSAN® 1157 product. Thequantity of ionene polymer released was determined by titrating analiquot from each solution with Poly(vinylsulfate, potassium salt),(PVSAK). This method is the basis for the widely used TaylorPolyquat/QAC Test Kit. Toluidine Blue O indicator changes from blue topurple at the end point. A useful literature reference for thisanalytical method is: L. K. Wang and W. W. Schuster, Ind. Eng. Prod.Res. Dev. Vol. 14, No. 4, pp 312-314, (1975). The aliquot size wasselected to give a titration of about one half of a buret full (5.0 mL)with the PVSAK used for the standard solution.

Air was bubbled into the sample solution during the test to continuouslymix the solution. An aliquot was removed at various time intervals forlater analysis for ionene polymer concentration. Table VI belowsummarizes the data obtained. FIG. 2 show a plot of this data.

                  TABLE VI                                                        ______________________________________                                        Percent Ionene Polymer Released                                               Time (hrs)    Tablet 10                                                       ______________________________________                                        0.17          1.7                                                             0.5           9.0                                                             1             11.0                                                            2             16.4                                                            4             25.0                                                            8             36.1                                                            24            58.5                                                            48            69.5                                                            72            71.2                                                            ______________________________________                                    

The claimed invention is:
 1. An ionene polymer tablet comprising:about40 to about 95 percent by weight of an alkali or alkaline earth metalsalt carrier matrix, about 5 to about 60 percent by weight of an ionenepolymer, 0 to about 20 percent by weight of a disintegration rateregulator, and 0 to about 10 percent by weight of an anticaking agent,wherein the tablet has a hygroscopicity index of no more than 3 percentby weight.
 2. A tablet of claim 1, wherein the carrier matrix comprisessodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium borate, sodium bromide,sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium fluoride,sodium gluconate, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium lactate,calcium sulfate, potassium sulfate, tripotassium phosphate, potassiumchloride, potassium bromide, potassium fluoride, magnesium chloride,magnesium sulfate, lithium chloride or mixtures thereof.
 3. A tablet ofclaim 1, wherein the ionene polymer is adsorbed on the salt carriermatrix.
 4. A tablet of claim 3, comprising:about 50 to about 90 percentby weight of an said salt matrix material, about 10 to about 50 percentby weight of an ionene polymer, and about 0.25 to about 10 percent byweight of a disintegration rate regulator.
 5. A tablet of claim 4,wherein the disintegration rate regulator is selected from a fatty acidor a fatty acid derivative, a polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, apolyoxyethylene ether, a hydrogenated vegetable oil, a wax, an aliphaticamide, a polyethylene amide and mixtures thereof.
 6. A tablet of claim3, comprising:about 50 to about 90 percent by weight of an said saltmatrix material, about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of an ionenepolymer, and about 0.1 to about 5 percent by weight of an anticakingagent.
 7. A tablet of claim 6, wherein the anticaking agent is magnesiumtrisilicate, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium silicate,calcium carbonate, calcium silicate, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate,talc, fumed silica, zinc oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, and starch.8. A tablet of claim 3, further comprising:about 50 to about 90 percentby weight of an said salt matrix material, about 10 to about 50 percentby weight of an ionene polymer, about 0.25 to about 10 percent by weightof a disintegration rate regulator, about 0.1 to about 5 percent byweight of an anticaking agent, 0 to about 50 percent by weight of abiocidal adjuvant, 0 to about 20 percent by weight of a dye, and 0 toabout 15 percent by weight of a perfume.
 9. A tablet of claim 3, whereinthe ionene polymer comprises a repeating unit of the formula I: ##STR5##wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ can be identical or different, and areselected from H, C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl optionally substituted with at least onehydroxyl group, and benzyl optionally substituted on the benzene moietywith at least one C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl group;A is a divalent radical selectedfrom C₁ -C₁₀ alkylene, C₂ -C₁₀ alkenylene, C₂ -C₁₀ alkynylene, C₁ -C₁₀hydroxyalkylene, symmetric or asymmetric di-C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylenether,arylene, arylene-C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylene, or C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylenearyl-C₁ -C₁₀-alkylene; B is a divalent radical selected from C₁ -C₁₀ alkylene, C₂-C₁₀ alkenylene, C₂ -C₁₀ alkynylene, C₁ -C₁₀ hydroxyalkylene, arylene,arylene-C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylene, or C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylenearyl-C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylene;and X²⁻ is a divalent counter ion, two monovalent counter ions or afraction of a polyvalent counter ion sufficient to balance the cationiccharge in the repeating unit of said ionene polymer.
 10. A tablet ofclaim 9, wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are methyl or ethyl; A is C₁ -C₅alkylene, C₂ -C₅ alkenylene, C₂ -C₅ hydroxyalkylene, or symmetric di-C₂-C₅ -alkylenether; B is C₁ -C₅ alkylene, C₂ -C₅ alkenylene, C₂ -C₅hydroxyalkylene, arylene, arylene-C₁ -C₅ -alkylene, or C₁ -C₅alkylenearyl-C₁ -C₅ -alkylene; and X²⁻ is two monovalent anions eachselected from a halide anion or a trihalide anion.
 11. A tablet of claim9, wherein A is --CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ -- or --CH₂ CH₂ OCH₂CH₂ --; B is --CH₂ CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ --, or--CH₂ (CH₂)₄ CH₂ --; and X²⁻ is 2Cl⁻.
 12. A tablet of claim 10, whereinR¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are --CH₃, B is --CH₂ CH₂ --, and A is --CH₂CH(OH)CH₂ --; or wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each methyl, A is --CH₂CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂ -- and B is --CH₂ CH₂ --.
 13. A tablet of claim 10, whereinthe ionene polymer is a cross-linked polymer.
 14. A tablet of claim 3,wherein the ionene polymer comprises a repeating unit of formula II:##STR6## wherein R¹ and R² can be identical or different, and areselected from H, C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl optionally substituted with at least onehydroxyl group, and benzyl optionally substituted on the benzene moietywith at least one C₂ -C₂₀ alkylene group;A is a divalent radicalselected from C₁ -C₁₀ alkylene, C₂ -C₁₀ alkenylene, C₂ -C₁₀ alkynylene,C₁ -C₁₀ hydroxyalkylene, symmetric or asymmetric di-C₁ -C₁₀-alkylenether, arylene, arylene-C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylene, or C₁ -C₁₀-alkylenearyl-C₁ -C₁₀ -alkylene; and X⁻ is a monovalent counter ion,one-half of a divalent counter ion or a fraction of a polyvalent counterion sufficient to balance the cationic charge of the repeating unit insaid ionene polymer.
 15. A tablet of claim 14, wherein R¹ and R² may bethe same or different and are methyl or ethyl; A is C₁ -C₅ alkyl, C₂ -C₅alkenylene, C₂ -C₅ hydroxyalkylene, or symmetric di-C₂ -C₅-alkylenether; and X⁻ is a halide anion.
 16. A tablet of claim 15,wherein A is --CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ --, or --CH₂ CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂--; and X⁻ is Cl⁻.
 17. A tablet of claim 16, wherein R¹ and R² are eachmethyl, and A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ --; wherein R¹ and R² are each methyl,and A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ -- and the ionene polymer is cross-linked withethylenediamine; wherein R¹ and R² are each methyl, A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂--, and the ionene polymer is cross-linked with ammonia; or wherein R₁and R₂ are each methyl, A is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ --, X⁻ is Cl⁻, and theionene polymer is cross-linked with monomethylamine.
 18. A tablet ofclaim 14, wherein said ionene polymer is a cross-linked polymer.
 19. Atablet of claim 3, wherein the ionene polymer comprises a repeating unitof formula III: ##STR7## wherein R is ##STR8## Q is --(CHR')_(p) --,--CH₂ --CH═CH--CH₂ --, --CH₂ --CH₂ --O--CH₂ --CH₂ --, --CH₂--CH(OH)--CH₂ --, or --(CHR')_(n) --NH--C(O)--NH(CHR')_(n) --; andB' is{-[CH₂ --CH(OH)--CH₂ --N⁺ R'₂ --(CHR')_(n) --NH--C(O)--NH]--, X⁻ } or{-[(CHR')_(n) --N⁺ R'₂ --CH₂ --CH(OH)--CH₂ ]--, X⁻ }; n and p varyindependently from 2 to 12; each R' is independently hydrogen or a loweralkyl group; X²⁻ is a divalent counter ion, two monovalent counter ionsor a fraction of a polyvalent counter ion sufficient to balance thecationic charge in said group R; and X⁻ is a monovalent counter ion,one-half of a divalent counter ion or a fraction of a polyvalent counterion sufficient to balance the cationic charge in said group B'.
 20. Atablet of claim 19, wherein R' is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄, n is 2-6, and p is2-6; wherein R' is hydrogen or methyl, n is 3, and p is 2; or wherein Ris urea diamine, B' is --CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ --, and X⁻ is Cl⁻.
 21. A tabletof claim 3, wherein the tablet is a quick disintegration tablet.
 22. Atablet of claim 3, wherein the tablet is a sustained release tablet. 23.A tablet of claim 2, wherein the carrier matrix further comprises asolid organic acid.
 24. A tablet of claim 3, wherein the disintegrationrate regulator is stearic acid or a stearic acid derivative.